SC upholds Pampanga gov's win

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the election of Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda in 2007, dismissing the protest of losing bet and former governor Eddie “Among Ed” Panlilio.

In a resolution, the SC dismissed for being moot and academic Panlilio’s petition questioning the ruling of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) declaring Pineda winner in the gubernatorial race.

The SC said the case was already superseded by the elections held in May 2010, when the contested term of Pineda had lapsed and where she also won for another term.

The 2010 poll, according to the SC, “has left the court no alternative except to dismiss the petition in accord with jurisprudence to the effect that the expiration of the contested term of office renders the petition moot and academic.”

In his petition, Panlilio questioned the resolution issued on May 4, 2010 by the Comelec that affirmed the resolution of its second division dated Feb. 11, 2010.

In the ruling, Panlilio was ordered to vacate the post of governor and allow Pineda to assume the vacated post.

Panlilio and Pineda were two of the three candidates who ran for governor in the May 14, 2007 polls.